The barrister branded his former party “a political basket case”

A former Labour MP in Kent has defected to the Liberal Democrats after branding his former party a “political basket case”.

Bob Marshall-Andrews, who represented Medway from 1997 to 2010, denounced the “abject failure of the Labour leadership” over the EU referendum campaign.

The barrister, understood to have been a close ally to Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, said the party’s failure to lead the arguments against Brexit had “provided a concession of both votes and credibility to Ukip”, according to The Times.

He added: “The Liberal Democrats have grasped the political challenges of the 21st century.

“For that reason I will sign up and do my best to lend support in my political dotage.

“After nearly 50 years as a Labour man I do so with a heavy heart but at least with some radical hope for my grandchildren.”

A number of current Labour MPs have already announced they will not be standing again on June 8, with the polls predicting a humiliating defeat for the party.

It comes as Mr Corbyn prepares to make his first keynote speech of the election campaign today.